Why is there an annual card?
In common American Mah Jongg play, winning hands are selected from a published card that changes each year. A hand valid under one year's card may not be valid under the next.
How do you read a pattern?
A card shows groups of tiles and requirements for a legal hand. The symbols, colors and section labels have specific meanings. Learn the official legend before trying to memorize hands.
Exposed and concealed
Some hands permit exposures, while concealed hands impose stricter requirements. Pay attention to the marking for each pattern.
Jokers are not universal wildcards
Jokers are useful in eligible groups, but cannot substitute for every single or pair. Follow the official rules and the hand's requirements.
Use the current official card
Obtain the current card from the authorized issuer. We do not reproduce its copyrighted hand patterns or sell unofficial copies.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a new American Mahjong card every year?
Yes. The National Mah Jongg League issues a new annual card of winning-hand patterns.
Can I play with last year’s card?
For casual practice, a group can agree to use an older card, but those are not the current year’s combinations.
Where can I find the 2026 American Mahjong card?
See our 2026 guide and consult the National Mah Jongg League for official purchasing information.
This is an independent educational overview. For official play, consult the current National Mah Jongg League card and applicable rules. Annual card patterns are not reproduced here.